Guiding Hands Support Group was published to the community a couple of months ago. Since then, we have received some feedback and questions. The questions have mainly been in regards to who we are, why we exist, and what we hope to accomplish. This introductory post will be used to answer those questions, however if there are other questions you might have, please contact us at guidinghandsab@gmail.com.
Why was Guiding Hands established?
Why do the Southern Alberta Consistories feel there is a need for a group of people to provide support to fellow members of our congregations? The short answer to this question is “Sin”. Immediately after sin came into the world, trouble and sorrow followed. Although no one has had to endure the depth of trials and the grief that Job experienced, there are those that can say with him “Man that is born of a woman is of few days and full of trouble” (Job 14:1). At some point in our lives, most of us face difficulties that we struggle to navigate. With the command to “Bear ye one another’s burdens” (Galatians 6:2) in mind, Guiding Hands was established to help bridge the gap in reaching out to professional help to deal with these trials. Other congregations in the NRC have successfully established support groups with positive feedback and were used as an example in the forming of Guiding Hands.
What Guiding Hands hopes to accomplish?
The desire of the group is to help those who are facing difficulties by lending a listening ear and guidance to appropriate resources. We also hope to provide educational topics through our website and in the community on topics that are relevant to issues that we are struggling with. Another important aspect of Guiding Hands, is connecting families that are dealing with difficulties such as troubled teens, burnout of parents, hospitalizations of caregivers, etc. to safe/respite homes.
Who are the Support Members of Guiding Hands?
We are a varied group of members from all our Southern Alberta Congregations. We are not professionals, but wish to be of help in a time of need so no one has to suffer alone. Confidentiality is of utmost importance to us and all conversations with our members are kept confidential. We are able to be contacted via the “Contact Us” tab on our website. If a phone call is preferred, our numbers can be found in the church directory.
We appreciate the feedback we have received and heartily welcome any further comments, suggestions, or questions. Please continue to visit our website as we hope to update the blog regularly with more relevant articles and resources from professionals and others within our denomination.
Lastly, please do not hesitate to contact us when in need; there is no right or wrong situations for which Guiding Hands can help provide support.
